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The fragility of deterrence in conflicts

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  • Philipp Denter

    (University of St Gallen, Switzerland)

  • Dana Sisak

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam and Tinbergen Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

We study deterrence in sequential move conflicts, modeled as a contest. We bias the model in favor of peace by assuming that under complete information deterrence is achieved and peace prevails. We show that under incomplete information about states’ types (resolve) the chances of deterrence decrease rapidly. Studying a uniform type distribution, we show that the finer the type space becomes the more resolve a defending state must have to support deterrence in equilibrium. In the limit, as types occur on a continuum, deterrence is possible only under relatively extreme conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Denter & Dana Sisak, 2015. "The fragility of deterrence in conflicts," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 27(1), pages 43-57, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:27:y:2015:i:1:p:43-57
    DOI: 10.1177/0951629813511712
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christian Ewerhart & Federico Quartieri, 2020. "Unique equilibrium in contests with incomplete information," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 70(1), pages 243-271, July.

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